Peacock seventh graders win state stock market game, again!
By Jason V.

Chris I., Todd D. and Michael M. were the winning team in this year's Stock Market Game. They also placed first among all the Middle schools in Illinois. Peacock has won an astounding fourteen times in the last fifteen years. The winning team increased their initial investment of $100,000 to $243,436.46 in 10 weeks. The Stock Market Game is a simulation that is played by 3,700 Middle and high school teams across Illinois. The purpose of the Stock Market Game is to teach students economics. The Illinois Council on Economic Education, the Chicago Securities Department and Northern Illinois University sponsor the game. Teams of two or three people receive $100,000 of computer money to invest in the Stock Market. Computers at Northern Illinois University and Kansas University track the stocks for the participants.
According to Chris I. and Michael M., their team's winning strategy was to pick a stock that everyone knew and liked, namely AOL (America Online). As Todd D. noted, they also obviously wanted to pick a stock which would make a lot of money, which is just what they did. All the boys commented that they enjoyed the game because they were making money. Todd added that getting to miss a day of school to receive their award was a bonus. Chris and Mike said that they frequently spoke with their family and friends about the stocks they chose. They also said that they intended to invest in the stock market when they are older. Todd was less sure if he would invest later.
In the future, the Stock Market Game will be played on the Internet. Students will then be able to buy and sell, and see how their stocks are doing by the next day. Currently, students have to wait ten days to see officially how their stocks are doing. The entrance fee for the Stock Market Game is as much as $17 per team. According to Mr. Peel, students learn a great deal about math, science and almost everything from the game, so he feels that the fee is reasonable.

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Tree dedicated in memory of Mrs. Six
By Liz F., News Editor

On April 24, 1999, at the Spring Brook Nature Center in the Arboretum, a tree was dedicated in memory of Peacock science teacher, Mrs. Joan Six. The tree dedications were made by Mr. Maier, the Nature Center Director. A Honey Locust was dedicated for Mrs. Six, along with thirteen other trees. Family members of those who had trees dedicated received plaques commemorating the event; on the back was a map locating their loved one's tree. The tree dedications were part of Itasca's Arbor Day celebration.
For Itasca, this is the fourteenth consecutive year of Arbor Day celebrations at the Nature Center, and it is the fourteenth year in a row that the Village of Itasca has received a Tree City USA award. This award signifies the village's dedication to the urban forest. For four of the last six years, the Village has also received a Tree City USA Growth award. That award is presented to communities for special programs and projects promoting the planting and care of trees. After the ceremony "tree" freshments were served. The beverages and cakes as well as the plates, benches, and other things all had something to do with utilizing trees.

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CO2 cars race for glory
By Jayson D.

In the eighth grade industrial technology elective, Mr. Cousineau's students design and race miniature CO2 cars. The CO2 cars are constructed out of balsa wood and propelled by a CO2 (carbon dioxide) cartridges. The designs of the cars are whatever the designers desires. The shapes of the cars are supposed to be aerodynamic to reduce wind resistance and make the cars go faster. Mr. Cousineau said that he likes the CO2 cars classroom project because while being fun, it also teaches students to solve problems.
The rules that Peacock students follow are the same used in the professional racing of these cars. The final race was held on Friday, May 28 in Mr. Cousineau's classroom. The final results were: first, John S., average time .837 or 48.86 mph; second, Nick N., average time .886 or 46.17 mph; third, Mark H., average time .893 or 45.81 mph. Mike C., Mike M., Louis C., Pat R. and Matt M. also competed. Mr. Cousineau has a web site with a display of all the cars made this year at www.cooz.com/co2.

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Annual arts fair showcased student talent
By Hilary S.

The Fine and Applied Art Show this year was a definite success. Sixth, seventh and eighth graders displayed their artwork in the school's showcases. According to Peacock's art teacher, Mrs Dengler, "the attendance was great." "Many parents came to see the art work as well as the play."
There were many excellent pieces of art work this year. Drawings, paintings, and weavings were hung up around the school, and castles, clocks, eggs, and masks were put in the display cases.
There was also a ten minute demonstration on Tae Bo in the cafeteria before the play, not to mention the delicious treats that were provided after the performance by Mrs. Knudsen's home economic students.

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Earth Club rocks, rolls and will even play twister!
By Sarah Z.

The Earth Club members certainly achieved a lot this year. They made bird feeders, they cleaned up the playground, they made waste free lunches, they held a poster contest, and with the advisor teachers' help, they tripled the amount of food collected for the pet rescue center from last year's contest.
Some Earth Club members discussed their favorite parts of Earth Club. The Club's advisor, Mrs. Kartunnen said, "I like when the kids generate all kinds of ideas and get all excited!" Sixth grader, Gina M., a regular at club meetings, said, "I like doing stuff at the meetings." Her classmate, Agnes M. said, "I like Earth club, but we should get new shirts!"
For next year, the Earth Club has several exciting activities planned, including an over-nighter at the Shed Aquarium. They also want to make a "twister" game that involves endangered animal information.

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Parents and teachers praise the whole Guys and Dolls production
By Jeff R., Features Editor

This year, Peacock put on one of its biggest and most extravagant productions ever, "Guys and Dolls." Parents and teachers who attended the performances of the play complimented all of the work that went into the production, both by cast and crew members, and by teachers and parents.
The first thing that many people talked about after the play were the background sets that Mr. Cousineau and his construction crews built. The most impressive aspect of the sets, most people agreed, was the main backdrop that featured the New York skyline with many small lights attached. When the curtain opened, "oohs" and "ahhs" were heard from the audience. The audience was also impressed by all the set changes engineered by the crew members.
Spectators also praised for the acting ability of all of the cast members. Many performance attendees spent a few minutes after the show just congratulating the actors on a job well done. Many people also pointed out how well lines were memorized, or in cases where people forgot their lines, how well the cast was able to cover it up and move on with the show.
Compared to other school productions they had seen, several parents said that this play was very well organized and much more enjoyable. One person even said it was much better that a few high school plays they had attended. Mrs. M., the mother of lead actor Mike M., said she thought all of the teachers involved with the play had an uncanny ability to bring out the best in each student participating in the production. She said, probably echoing the sentiments of many, that she hoped to see such good work continued in the future.

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Efficiency was the crew's motto
By Scott Presslak, Op-Ed Editor

"Guys and Dolls" was a success, both on and off the stage. According to Mr. Cousineau, this year's production was "awesome!" He said that this was the best school production he has seen, including six high school plays. He also commented that he thought this was his best crew so far out of his three years here at Peacock.
According to Mr. Cousineau, the hardest part of his job was organizing 120 students backstage during the performances. The easiest part was the Hot Box scene, because nothing had to be on stage!
Generally speaking, Mr. Cousineau said that he had not expected the play to run so smoothly. An eighth-grade student on the crew commented that he had enjoyed it and found it entertaining, although he admitted it was sometimes also rather boring.

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Student council officers take stock
By Kelly D.

The student council has launched several new activities this year. The spring season started out slowly after the break because of a lack of meetings, but the council has now certainly made up for lost time. On May 26, they hosted the first talent show since about 1990. They have also been working on the end of the year, eighth grade events, including graduation and the dinner dance.
The elections for the 1999-2000 student council have already been held. Next year's officers are Brianna C., president, and Vanessa A., vice-president. Both the current president, Janelle B., and vice-president, Christina S., agreed that it had been a good year, and a lot of fun. They also said it was tough at times and maybe even a little confusing. "I've gotten to know a lot more people in our school through student council. I didn't really know that many sixth and seventh graders before. I've also enjoyed the privileges," commented Janelle.
Both Janelle and Christina said that Dr. Nickisch and Mr. Peel were very receptive to most of their ideas. Sometimes Dr. Nickisch seemed more receptive than Mr. Peel because they went into special sessions with him, but they said Mr. Peel did a great job promoting student council. Dr. Nickisch could do more for them because he's the Principal.
The officers wanted to thank all the people who had voted for them. They hoped that they had accomplished all the things they said they would in their speeches. They tried hard with everyone's suggestions. Christina commented, "I think we did a good job and I hope everyone else thinks so too."

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Chess club holds first tournament
By Liz F., News Editor

Peacock held an all-school chess tournament during the last two weeks of May. The chess club's faculty advisor, sixth grade math teacher, Mr. Behrendt organized the tournament. Anyone who signed up could play. The students drew numbers to see who would play whom. When they get down to the final three people, they played each other. Seventh grader, Barry J. finished in first place, seventh grader, Jeff L., in second, and sixth grader, Vince R., in third.
Mr. Behrendt discussed the Club's purpose and the role of the tournament. He explained that through the club, students gain friendships and develop better relationships. As chess players, the students get better at playing chess, and realize that anyone can do it. "The more you play chess," he said, "the better you get and the chess club gives you the opportunity to do that." Once you learn how to play chess, he explained, it is really a great game. It teaches problem solving and students can come to play with friends, or play for the competition. According to Mr. Behrendt, the most improved players this year were Kathryn K., Gina M., and Vince R.
Tournament winner, Barry J. said that he didn't think much, now that the tournament was over, but he did miss taking the late bus. Barry said that he was not nervous during the tournament. He admitted that he didn't really know why he went to chess club, but explained that one of his friends, Phil G., asked him to go so he went. He also added congratulations to Jeff and Vince. Also, "good job, Mr. Behrendt."
Jeff L., who came in second, said he felt great, now that all the competition was over. Jeff said, "I wasn't nervous but my challengers were." The most difficult game for Jeff was in the final match against Barry. He said that he plays chess because it is a mind game and it challenges him. He also likes the game, Magic: The Gathering. Vince R., the third place finisher, admitted that he was nervous most of the time. Like Jeff, Vince said that his most difficult game was against Barry. Vince said "I prepared for the tournament by a lot of practicing." Vince plays chess because he thinks it is fun. He also likes hearts and checkers. He wanted to add that the tournament was lots of fun and he hopes that it is continued in years to come.
Mr. Behrendt suggested that next year, if possible, the students who are more serious about playing chess may be able to play at different places, outside of Peacock. Barry thought that a prize would be a nice addition for next year's tournament. Jeff and Vince suggested that the teachers and staff should also be invited to compete next year.

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Band's spring concert was certainly noteworthy
By Sarah R.

Peacock Band performed in concert on Tuesday, May 4 to a large and enthusiastic audience. This was the Spring Pops Concert. The Jazz Band, Varsity Band and Concert Band performed several selections. Students from Peacock Middle, and St. Peter's and St. Luke's elementary schools make up these bands. Flautist Ashley S. and French Horn player Andrea R. enjoyed playing "Engines of Resistance," while "Antique Car Parade" was oboist Michele B.'s favorite.
Mr. Loest, the Band Director, uses these concerts to showcase what the students have learned. He commented that "concerts allow us to celebrate with music and to help to define our culture." Mr. Loest prepares his students for a concert by covering music's various elements in lessons and rehearsals. In lessons, Mr. Loest uses tone, melody, harmony, dynamics, articulations and texture to bring out the best in his musicians. The students do their part in preparing for concerts and lessons through regular practice, a fact which sixth grade clarinetist, Maggie F., knows well.
Preparing for concerts starts many weeks prior to a concert with the selection of the music, the preparation of invitations and programs, and the purchase of awards. The final preparations are done the day of the concert. Help from approximately twelve adults ensures a smooth running concert, from the set-up to the take-down and preparation for the following day. The students prepare by showing up on time dressed in their band uniforms and ready to warm-up.
Mr. Loest commented that he enjoys working with the many talented students at Peacock Middle. He has been band director for the last thirteen years. Mr. Loest said that he was proud of the students currently in the band program and the members who have moved on. He looks forward to seeing many of Peacock's musicians in the Summer Band Program.

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Teachers announce their departure:
Mr. Martin
By Abby W.

Eighth grade social studies teacher, Mr. Martin, is retiring this year. He has taught in Itasca for twenty-nine years. When interviewed recently, he said that he wanted "to thank the community of Itasca for the privilege and honor of teaching their children."
Mr. Martin went to the Elmhurst College, and majored in political science. Before becoming a teacher, he was a barber. He said that he became a teacher because he thought that he would absolutely love it, and he was right.
According to Mr. Martin, his best memory at Peacock was being assigned to eighth grade, instead of having to teach all three grades. Mr. Martin said that his worst, yet also most fun memories at Peacock were from the times he was coaching the eighth grade girls basketball team. On the whole, he described the students at Peacock as "excellent," and the town of Itasca as very supportive. Mr. Martin said "my fond memories will be with me always!"
On the personal side, Mr. Martin is married. His wife Sandy, whom he describes as "wonderful," works in the activity department at a nursing home. He has one son, Steven, who will graduate from college this year. Mr. Martin enjoys Jazz music and is currently reading The Anti-Federalist Papers. His hobbies are politics and sports.

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Teachers announce their departure:
Mr. Tison
By Christine H.

Mr. Tison, the sixth grade social studies teacher, has taught in Itasca for 31 years. He is leaving at the end of this school year, and many Peacock students have said that they will miss him and Mr. Martin, who is also leaving.
According to Mr. Tison, he decided to become a teacher because of a seventh grade teacher who got him interested in history and geography. Mr. Tison attended Elmhurst College, where he majored in history and geography. His particular historical interest and passion is the study of the American Revolution. He brings that interest home to his students when he brings in clothes and weapons from the Revolutionary era. These concrete pieces of history help his students actually visualize what happened back in the 1770s.
Mr. Tison said that his best memories at Peacock are of the Washington D.C. trips, they were also his most fun memories. On the personal side, Mr. Tison is married and his wife is also a teacher. He has two children. He enjoys reenacting Revolutionary War battles, fishing and golf.

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